Fleet Transition Resources

Preparing Frontline Technicians

Transitioning safely from work with 12- and 24-volt electrical systems in traditional buses to new vehicle technologies requires a significant commitment to additional skills training and development. Transit Workforce Center continues to produce critical resources to help prepare frontline technicians with the training needed to meet the challenges and demands of these alternative propulsion technologies. 

Bus Maintenance Training Materials for Fleet Transition 

TWC has released a complete training course to supply agencies with ready-to-use materials to familiarize technicians with maintenance, technology, and safety fundamentals. The product includes classroom materials, instructional videos, hands-on exercises, and assessments that prepares technicians for product-specific training offered by bus manufacturers. Based on resources developed by the International Transportation Learning Center (ITLC) in coordination with major bus manufacturers, this course provides technicians with a foundational understanding of newer bus technologies. 

Related National Bus Maintenance Training Standards   

TWC worked with the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), local transit agencies, transit labor unions, and manufacturers to facilitate discussions among subject matter experts (SMEs) on the training needed for technicians related to alternative propulsion technologies, and then to develop Maintenance Training Standards. These standards outline the training necessary to obtain the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform maintenance and diagnostic tasks safely. 

Resources and Best Practices Supporting Fleet Transition Planning for New Bus Technologies

FTA’s website contains a set of workforce development resources agencies can refer to when planning and carrying out transitions to new bus fleet technology. Those resources, including materials gathered and developed by TWC, can be found here.